One of the most important things to remember when packing for an international move is that you want to balance bringing some of your home with you and not being too weighed down with all of your things. New students living in Queen's accommodation will not need to worry about furniture and kitchen appliances. Supplies and objects that make your place feel like somewhere you are happy to come back to after classes and stave off any homesickness will be important.

Here is my list of packing recommendations for international students who may not be able to bring many bags on their journey to Queen's:

Clothes

Bring clothes that you can layer, winterise, and make several outfit combinations out of so that you can get use out of them all year round. Rain is a constant in every season of Northern Ireland, so I suggest investing in a good raincoat (water retardant or waterproof) and layering for warmth underneath it. I brought hats and scarves from Peru, so they are made with llama wool for extra warmth. It is also good to note that there is a clothing exchange at One Elmwood, where you may trade clothing that you no longer want for ones of equal value, so you do not need to worry about spending a lot of money on buying new clothes. 

Shoes

I recommend packing your lighter shoes for special occasions or exercising in your luggage and wearing your heaviest shoes or everyday pair for your flight. While rain boots are sometimes needed here, they are very easy to find. Cheap pairs can be found at Lidl and various other rain boots can be found at the stores in Victoria Square.

Toiletries and medication

Any toiletries (toothpaste and toothbrush, lotion, makeup, etc.) and over the counter medication (medication for menstrual pain, migraines, allergies, etc) that are difficult to find here or expensive to ship to your address. For example, I brought skincare products from South Korea and my favourite hair products from the US. The medicine you typically tend to use will also aid you on your trip into the UK.

Decor

I recommend bringing decoration that can be both useful and remind you of your home. Personally, I brought a cookbook from my grandmother, a magnet from one of the countries I visited in the past year that doubles as a bottle opener, and a kitchen towel that was painted by my godmother in Peru. Clothing and decoration that has meaning to you can bring a lot of comfort while you’re settling into a new country. Just be certain to make good use of the space in your apartment and luggage!

Kitchen gear

This took up the majority of my packing space. I brought a large pot that doubles as a frying pan, one set of utensils per person, a bowl and plate per person, some Tupperware, and a silicone mixing bowl that can be folded down to be stored more easily. I bought two mugs with Northern Irish designs/sayings to both use while here and to have as souvenirs after my programme ends. Disposable items such as cleaning products, ziplock bags or sandwich bags, and tinfoil, and smaller items such as a can opener, peeler, and scissors are easily found at most stores as well, so I would not worry about bringing these.

Consumables

Food in the form of snacks that can last a while and that you can pack for yourself for lunch. Being from the Washington State, I greatly regret not bringing packs of smoked salmon from the Skokomish Indian Reservation as it would have brought me much joy and eased my missing the West Coast. For those from South America, I recommend bringing ajis, candy that packs well, and anything that will satisfy your desire for spicy food.

For those from Asia, especially Southeast Asia, I recommend bringing seasoning as there are similar seasonings available and an Asian supermarket in Belfast, but they will not beat the in-country prices. I brought palm sugar and curry spices from Thailand to cook with, both of which were affordable and do not take up much space. Beyond the specific foods and spices that you know you will not be able to find elsewhere, Belfast has a range of common household food. 

Important objects

Passport, any printed documents for registration or immigration, chargers (remember an adaptor if you need it!), electronics, any prescriptions, debit and/or credit cards (remember to ensure your bank knows that you are here), and currency. I would keep the majority of these on my person or as easily accessible as possible so that you can present them easily when you arrive or use them easily without losing them. 

Other things I would not necessarily worry about is bedding – Queen's can provide a discount for bedding kits on UniKitOut. The box you choose will be in your accommodation on the day you arrive. On the UniKitOut website you can purchase bedding materials, kitchen gear, hangers, etc. However, if you find some of these prices to be too high or kits to not be made up exactly as you want, there are still many stores in Belfast, such as PoundStretcher, where you can find utensils, blankets and pillows, hangers, doormats, bins, and other items for upper new space for a reasonable price.

Stationery such as notebooks, pens, etc. can be found in many stores prepared to sell to incoming students or at the One Elmwood Students' Union Centre at a cheap rate. Finally, food such as vegetables and fruit, grains, noodles, and some classic spices are available at the free food pantry on selective days and times at One Elmwood. Even toilet paper, laundry detergent, and dish soap are available there, but there are specific rules and limitations for using the food pantry as it is important that there is enough for all of the students who need it.

Accommodation will come with the basics and there are many deals to be found around the city for the household items you will need, especially as the University and students are always willing to point you in the right direction. I would focus more on optimising your space to bring pieces of your home with you, whether that be in décor, food, or clothing.

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Diana Kachman Public Health | Postgraduate Student | Washington State, USA My passion for public health and medicine stems from a desire to work with underrepresented peoples within the health field, especially the elderly, migrants, and indigenous communities.  I am a Peruvian American from the Seattle area in Washington State. I graduated from Carleton College in Minnesota in 2023 with my degree in English and History.  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, baking, hiking, and salsa dancing. I love travelling to learn about new cultures and am happy to connect with students from all paths and backgrounds.